Opposition leader Ousainu Darboe has challenged the Gambian government’s claims of creating 150,000 jobs, saying the figures need to be independently verified, particularly as hundreds of young Gambians continue to die while attempting to migrate by sea.

Darboe, leader of the United Democratic Party (UDP), was responding to statements made earlier today by Dr. Ismaila Ceesay, Minister of Information, during a press conference.

“Let him show the record of the 150,000 jobs they have created. I think journalists should challenge him on this claim,” Darboe said.

He questioned the effectiveness of the government’s employment programs, citing the continued departure of Gambian youths to work abroad.

“If what he said is true, then why did they send youths to Spain to go and work?” he asked, highlighting a disconnect between official claims and on-the-ground realities.

He also criticised Dr. Ceesay for showing a lack of empathy in his statements, particularly given recent incidents where hundreds of Gambian youths lost their lives attempting to cross the sea in search of opportunities.

“I think Dr. Ceesay is a family man and he should have sympathy for those who have lost their lives,” he said.

He added that such remarks would be unacceptable in other countries, suggesting that public officials might be forced to resign for similar statements elsewhere.

“If he was in another country, he would have resigned from his job for saying this claim. If he were a member of parliament, he would have been forced to resign,” he said.

By Adama Makasuba